Diencephalic seizures: responsiveness to bromocriptine and morphine

Ann Neurol. 1987 Jun;21(6):609-11. doi: 10.1002/ana.410210617.

Abstract

Two patients with posttraumatic diencephalic seizures, characterized by autonomic dysfunction and extensor posturing, had partial responses to bromocriptine and complete responses to morphine. Probable synergism between the two agents was noted. These 2 cases suggest the potential effectiveness of this regimen for the treatment of diencephalic seizures, raise questions regarding the role of the dopaminergic and opioid systems in this disease entity, and support the hypothesis that diencephalic seizures represent a release phenomenon in the brain.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain / physiopathology
  • Bromocriptine / therapeutic use*
  • Diencephalon*
  • Dopamine / physiology
  • Endorphins / physiology
  • Epilepsy, Post-Traumatic / drug therapy*
  • Epilepsy, Post-Traumatic / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Morphine / therapeutic use*
  • Synaptic Transmission

Substances

  • Endorphins
  • Bromocriptine
  • Morphine
  • Dopamine